A complete guide to the textural characteristics of an international array of traditional and special foods It is widely recognized that texture has an intrinsic relationship to food preference. A full understanding of its functions and qualities is, therefore, of crucial importance to food technologists and product developers, as well as those working towards the treatment of dysphagia. Textural Characteristics of World Foods is the first book to apply a detailed set of criteria and characteristics to the textures of traditional and popular foods from across the globe. Structuring chapters by region, its authors chart a journey through the textural landscapes of each continent’s cuisines, exploring the complex and symbiotic relationships that exist between texture, aroma, and taste. This innovative text: Provides an overview of the textural characteristics of a wide range of foods Includes descriptions of textures and key points of flavor release Examines the relationships between the texture, taste, and aroma of each food presented Is structured by geographic region Rich with essential insights and important research, Textural Characteristics of World Foods offers all those working in food science and development a better picture of texture and the multifaceted role it can play.

The concept behind this book is to take a holistic view of food texture, starting with the determination of food texture, its perception in the mouth, and its measurement by both sensory and instrumental methods, and to examine the relation between them. The book has been divided into four sections: Fundamentals, Sensory and Human Interactions, Instrumental Analysis, and Food Products. Essentially we cover the techniques used for measuring food texture, and then apply them to the different product groups. Readers of the first edition will notice the title has changed, with the adoption of the term texturology. In the long history of food texture research, texturology has been occasionally used in literature. The term texturology has not been widely accepted by texture researchers (texturologists) because of their concern over whether the theories and techniques are broad and strong enough to support texture research as a scientific discipline. During the 24 years since the publication of the first edition, the editors have observed vast developments in theories as well as the assessment methodology of food texture (both sensory and instrumental) and these have shaped our understanding. This second edition brings the science up to date by introducing topics not previously covered (e.g. psychophysics, tribology, oral processing, texture maps and special foods for dysphagia patients). It includes an exposé of the instruments to measure food texture, and also considers techniques for measuring consumer perception of food texture (in addition to the sensory properties). Additionally, it amends omissions from the first edition such as dairy products; fish; bakery products; and, sugar confectionery, asproduct groups. All in all it is expanded and updated in its coverage of food texturology, as a coherent scientific discipline.